Darren Greatbatch, Specialist Advisory Manager, Amenity & Invasive Weeds, at Environment Controls.
Last reviewed on .
In this article you’ll discover the differences between the two main types of Bamboo, and whilst neither are a good option, we reveal which one is worse to have on your property, or on a neighbouring property. We also show you what Bamboo damage looks like!
Bamboo Species and Growth Habit
Bamboos are part of the grass family Poaceae, more specifically the subfamily Bambusoideae. They are a species that rely on rhizomes for their growth and are predominantly evergreen perennials. The area of soil affected by underground rhizomes is usually much larger than the surface area covered by visible bamboo shoots. The extent of rhizome spread depends on factors such as soil conditions, physical barriers, bamboo species, and climate. For example, in colder climates, some running bamboos may begin to form clumps rather than spreading widely.
All Bamboos are hard to control or get rid of, and especially the running variety as it covers so much ground.
Clumping Bamboo
Clumping bamboos produce rhizomes that grow outward from the base of the parent culm (the above-ground stem) and then quickly turn upward to form new culms. This results in a tight, expanding cluster of stems, with the underground rhizomes rarely spreading far horizontally from the original clump. Clumping bamboos are predominantly native to subtropical and tropical regions and are generally not very cold tolerant.
Running Bamboo
Running bamboos develop rhizomes that travel laterally through the soil, often several meters away from the parent plant. New culms emerge along the length of these rhizomes, making running bamboos much more likely to become invasive. You can typically find their underground rhizomes in a zone extending several meters around the main clump, usually within the top 200mm of soil.
This aggressive spreading habit allows running bamboo to send up new shoots far from the original plant, often appearing in unwanted areas of a garden or property. Running bamboos are typically more cold-tolerant and are better suited to temperate climates. Their rhizomes grow horizontally, allowing them to spread rapidly even in regions with colder winters.
What damage can Bamboo cause?
Bamboo can break through weak areas of structures or underground infrastructure, breaking up concrete, decking or even walls, as these images demonstrate:
Summary Table: Clumping vs. Running Bamboo
| Feature | Clumping Bamboo | Running Bamboo |
| Rhizome Spread | Short, stays near clump | Long, spreads metres away |
| Invasiveness | Moderate | High |
| Control Difficulty | Easier | Difficult, needs barriers |
| Typical Rhizome Depth | Shallow, near surface | Shallow (20–30 cm), sometimes deeper |
| Spread Rate | Slow | Rapid (up to 4.5 m/year) |
Conclusion
Running bamboo species are the more invasive of the two due to their ability to send rhizomes far from the parent plant, often within the first 200 mm of soil, resulting in new shoots appearing in unwanted areas. Clumping species are less aggressive but still require management. Physical barriers and vigilant maintenance are essential to prevent unwanted bamboo spread.
By now you should know which type of Bamboo is worse? But what should you do?
If you have Bamboo on your land or property it’s best to get rid of it before it takes over and becomes a problem for you or your neighbours. We’re highly experienced in bamboo removal, the best action to take is to speak to our team who will advise you on what options to consider.